There is so much fun planned in Fuquay-Varina this week, you might want to pack a lunch. Even better would be to leave room for pumpkin pie and chili. Vintage Cars:

The fun begins Wednesday evening with the Brass nickel Vintage Tour of antique cars in Downtown Fuquay-Varina from 5 to 9 p.m. 100 Years on Parade:

As part of the fun this evening, there will be a parade to celebrate the Fuquay-Varina Centennial. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. in front of Fidelity Bank. Entries will be given a number for the judges. All entries will be presented from the steps of Fideltiy Bank at 6:45 p.m. Judges decisions will be announced from the stage later that night.

Prizes will be awarded. “100 Years on Parade” will take place with the touring cars parked for viewing and streets closed to traffic. Entries will be “parading” along the street after presentation for benefit of the judges and the public. Grandparents will enjoy enlisting the grandchildren in an earlier time. Downtown Fuquay-Varina Chili-Cook-off

Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The 7th annual Chili Cook-off promises to be the biggest ever! With more than 13 teams entered at press time, the public has a great opportunity to taste a wide variety of chili and vote for their favorite on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10:30 am – 3:30 pm. From mild to insanely hot, you’re sure to find one that suites your taste buds. The Downtown Chili contest will be located in the large parking lot at the corner of Main and Vance Streets across from Cooley’s Restaurant along the wall closest to Ann’s Diamond Center. You can taste all chili entries for $5 and vote for your favorite. The chili team that receives the most votes will win a cash prize of $500. Second and third place winners receive $300 and $150 prizes respectively.

The Chili Cook-off is organized by the Fuquay-Varina Revitalization Association. Gold sponsors include Senter, Stephenson & Johnson, P.A., H H & H Mini Storage, The Young Group of Fuquay, An Insurance Agency Built on Relationships, and Builders Mutual Insurance Company, Where Builders Come First, and Silver Sponsor the N.C. Beef Council. The Downtown Chili Cook-off is part of the Day in Downtown. For more information, please go to www.fuquay-varinadowntown.com. Day in Downtown to Feature Family Contests The Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce 7th annual Day in Downtown, this year held on Halloween, will feature a number of family oriented contests for all ages. The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 31 on Main Street in Historic Downtown Fuquay. There will be four contests held this year that will be open to the public. They are:

Costume Contest: Your children can show off their Halloween finery to those gathered at the festival. This contest is open to all children ages 14 and younger, with participants divided into three age groups with cash prizes in each. Children will model their costumes to the crowd while the judging is done. Registration for this contest will be the morning of the festival with the contest starting at noon. Pumpkin Coloring Contest: This is a chance for the very youngest to show off their coloring skills and creativity. Children ages 10 and younger are eligible to color a picture of a pumpkin that is available on the Chamber’s web site. Contestants will be divided into two age categories with awards given in each. Colored pictures must be submitted to the Chamber by Thursday, October 29. Finalists will be posted at the festival where the winner will be announced.

Pumpkin Carving Contest: Show how creative and scary you can get. Open to all ages, entrants must pre-register with the Chamber. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: scariest; funniest; and most creative. There will be a $25.00 prize awarded in each category. Submissions will be displayed at the festival. There is a $5.00 registration fee.

Pumpkin Pie Contest: Attention everyone who thinks they have the best pumpkin pie recipe in town. This is your chance to prove it. This contest is open to all non-professionals, with an original recipe. First place prize is $50.00 and second place is $25.00. Entrants must pre-register with the Chamber and pies delivered to the Chamber Friday, October 30. There is a $5.00 fee to enter.

The Chamber would like to thank those members whose sponsorships have helped make this day possible. They are: our Presenting Sponsor, Andy’s Tents & Events; Stage Sponsors, Century 21, Becky Medlin Realty and Huff & Huff General Dentistry; Climbing Wall Sponsor Patriot State Bank; and Media Sponsors, The Fuquay-Varina Independent and Fairway Outdoor Advertising Complete rules are available on the Chamber’s web site, www.fuquay-varina.com, or call the Chamber at (919) 552-4947. A Day in Downtown will be held rain or shine. There is no cost to attend and parking is free.